KIRSTINA BOLTON | staff writer

In 1992, a young man with a college degree set out on an adventure that would mark his greatest dream, and tragic end.

His life story was puzzling for his family and beloved acquaintances, yet it became a heroic story written by journalist, Jon Krakauer. Nearly 15 years later, Krakauer’s book, Into The Wild, has been transformed into a major motion picture movie with acclaimed director Sean Penn at the reigns.

APU communication studies professor, Dr. Daniel Pawley, has been educating his students with Into The Wild over the past 10 years to show what journalism is capable of. Now he talks more about the captivating story as it made its film debut last week in Hollywood.

Being a student in one of his Introduction to Journalism classes, I can witness firsthand the excitement that has radiated in the classroom.

“Every year I ask students if they think I should drop Into the Wild and they always ask me to keep teaching it,” Pawley said. “They get very deeply into it, and it’s unlike any book they’ve ever read.”

Pawley has read and reread the book enough to know the power that it holds and the challenge it is for both a journalist and a filmmaker to approach such a story.

“I have always believed that the best journalism is a search for the truth about ordinary people, and in understanding the ordinary, you sometimes uncover what is extraordinary about someone,” Pawley said.

Jon Krakauer began writing about Chris McCandless shortly after he was found dead in Alaska. The book, Into The Wild, was published and released in the mid-90s.

For a time, there was much speculation about the story and whether or not it was completely verifiable and whether it should be noted as worthy journalism.

“In some ways the book is more dramatic and imaginative than a good piece of fiction,” Pawley said. “But it’s entirely factual to the smallest detail.”

Transforming a biography into a movie without taking away from its cinematic quality and western perspective is a challenge for any director.

“I remember thinking that it was a story for either Clint Eastwood or Robert Redford. When I heard that Sean Penn had acquired the rights to the story, I was cautiously excited,” Pawley said.

With Penn watching from his Director’s chair, a tremendous cast brings the film to life in front of the camera. Chris, portrayed by Emile Hirsch, travels in and out of supporting characters’ lives, including Vince Vaughn, Hal Holbrook, and William Hurt.

Pearl Jam’s lead singer, Eddie Vedder, composes the music for the film that seems to tie the development of the movie together.

The soundtrack accompanying the film is another aspect that adds to the story. Dr. Pawley digs further into the influences from popular culture that Krakauer has somewhat overlooked, and the film does the same.